“Yes. Because this is where I live. It’s our pack house, which you have claimed over and over not to be a part of. You’re one of my best friends, Callum, you’re my pack brother, or you’re supposed to be. I know that Fio?—”
“Don’t bring her up,” I say, and he sighs.
“You can’t be rude to Maisie. She didn’t do anything to you. Acting like this under the guise of her saying an offhanded comment about your food? You don’t have to like her, but you will be kind to her.”
“Or what? You want me to move out so you can have a fling for a month? You’re choosing a girl you barely know over me?”
“No. Fuck, Callum. Why do you have to be like this? Like you said. It’s a month. You can’t be civil with her for a month?”
I scrub a hand down my face. I know I’ve been a right bastard and I don’t know how to stop. We aren’t a pack really, not without an Omega. I don’t know if I can let another woman in my life. Maybe Maisie is right in saying I’m selfish, wanting it both ways.
“Aye, right. I’ll be on my best behavior.”
“After she leaves, we’ll talk more about the situation,” Greer says.
“You know this is a horrific idea, getting close to her like this when it’s inevitable that she’s going to leave,” I tell him.
“I know I’m probably a fool, me and Lain both. But you know damn well how good it feels to take care of an Omega, and if there’s someone who needs care, it’s her. She’s lost her mum, her job, she’s more touch starved than I’ve ever seen an Omega before. The last thing she needs is some dickhead on her case.”
I sigh with a firm nod.
“I said I’ll be on my best. I’ll be taking the weekend, anyway. Graham’s been begging me to spend some time with him. I’ve pushed him off long enough.”
Part of me wants to swallow my pride and stay at his, or use one of Nan’s free rooms, but I suppose that might put me in the same place as her, anyway.
I cross my arms over my chest, looking down at the tile. This house used to feel like something else. I used to feel like someone else and I hate who I’ve become. I hate that Greer has to corner me in the kitchen and tell me to not be an arsehole to someone, let alone an Omega who didn’t do anything to me. That my Nan consistently keeps me busy with tasks cause she’s worried about me, and that my brother misses me even when we live in this small town.
Greer takes a step toward me, grabbing my shoulder firmly, and I have no choice but to look up at him.
“We love you, Callum. Everyone in this town does, please let us?”
I clear my throat. “I’ll stay out of your way with the Baobhan Sith.”
“Jesus Christ. Really?” I can’t help but to hold back my laugh, which has him smiling at me. “I guess I can’t fully expect you not to be a right arse.”
“Guess not,” I say, leaving the kitchen, heading up the stairs, up the attic steps and lying down in the vacant nest.
It’s nothing like the room used to be, scents evaporated long ago, all her decor went with her, yet the memories of her haunt me and all I want to be is myself again. I just have no clue on how to get there.
15
maisie
A rooster is crowingin the distance, someone is licking my foot, and I’m roasting between two very large Alphas.
I reach over Lain, grabbing my glasses from his nightstand and glance down at the end of the bed and realize Fergus is the one licking my toes and I suppose that’s a relief as I try to untangle myself from between the two men.
Last night was unexpected, amazing, wonderful, and ultimately confusing. It’s hard to sit in the warmth of how I felt last night and ignore Callum’s words. Was I being selfish? I knew I wasn’t being manipulative; I know that’s him projecting whatever happened with the last Omega they dated. But the word selfish rang around my head like a warning bell.
Lain stirs first, wrapping a strong arm around my waist and presses kisses all over my shoulder.
“Morning, beautiful,” he says dreamily. “Are you still coming on the tour with me today?”
“Only if Fergus stops licking my toes,” I joke.
He whistles, getting Fergus’ attention and the dog bounds to the side of the bed, where Lain scratches behind his ears.
“Now Fergus, it’s not kind to lick between a lady's toes without permission. You’ll have to vow to be a good boy, or else Maisie won’t come on the tour with us.”
